Recently, when we heard about a product used by Doctors Without Borders that can save the life of a severely malnourished child for $35.00, we decided to make it one of our missions. The product is called Plumpynut and it has everything in it that a child needs to become strong and healthy. It only costs $1.00 per day per child and is only needed for about 4 – 6 weeks. Plumpynut is an easy solution to a serious problem.

Unfortunately, in 2007, only 3% of the children who needed this product received it. Grace Lutheran Church West Springfield wants to help change that by raising money this summer to send to Doctors Without Borders to purchase more of this product. You can also help by sending a check to: Grace Lutheran Church, 1552 Westfield St., West Springfield, MA 01089. Make the check out to Grace Lutheran Church and write “Plumpynut” in the memo area and we will make sure the money is used for this very worthwhile cause.

Adult/bible study

Adult bible classes and topical discussions take place frequently at Grace Lutheran Church. Past topical discussions have focused on understanding Islam, homosexuality and the church, and many more. Recent classes have focused on bible studies and introducing new members to the church.

In one recent event, Dr. Saleem Bajiva (pictured at right), M.D., founding member of the Islamic Society of Western Massachusetts, visited Grace to host a discussion on Islam from the Islamic perspective.

Members of the congregation are encouraged to put forth ideas for future bible classes and adult discussions; contact the pastor with your thoughts.

Mission of Hope

Several members of Grace Lutheran Church have joined a grassroots program called the Mission of Hope.

The Mission of Hope is a child-sponsorship program designed to bring a lifetime of education to a poor child living in Tanzania. The program pairs a sponsor with a child for either an elementary and/or a high school education. Sponsors agree to support each child throughout several years of education and 100% of every dollar goes toward meeting this end.

Neither the children nor their families receive any money and the program is run entirely by volunteers. All children appearing on this page are currently being sponsored by members of Grace. To learn how you can participate in the Mission of Hope, contact the church office.

Needlers and Sew ‘nSews

Grace’s knitting group meets weekly on Tuesday mornings at 9:30 a.m. in the Church parlor. Often numbering more than two dozen strong — and coming in all ages, sizes, hair colors and with many talents — this group knits, sews, crochets, quilts and mends.

The group makes and donates hats for cancer patients to Springfield Medical Association, and sweaters for children that are sent to Guidepost in Carmel, N.Y. It also produces quilts and afghans offered as gifts for newly baptized babies, and offers up items for Grace’s annual December craft fair.

There’s also much fun to be had. Besides all the handiwork that is being made, recipes are shared, books are discussed and shared. There’s lots of laughter, planning and praying, not only for our families and loved ones, but also in thanksgiving to God for all His blessings.

Our gang is always very thankful for generous donations of yarn and scraps of material to assist in its work; and such donations are greatly appreciated.

The gathering is well-attended among Grace’s members, as well as others from the community — several regulars worship at other churches. If you’re interested in learning more, contact the church office.

Sunday school

Sunday school classes are available for children ages 4 and up during our 9:30 a.m. worship service.

In order to give our children a meaningful worship experience and Sunday school class time, the children attend the first portion of the 9:30 a.m. service and are dismissed to their classrooms shortly thereafter. Our 9:30 worship service is especially configured to allow the children to attend a worship service and Sunday school class during the one-hour time slot.

In December, the children prepare for a Christmas pageant, which they normally present on the 4th Sunday in Advent. It’s a festive day with singing of carols and receiving gifts.

First Holy Communion: These classes are normally arranged between Pastor and parents of children 3rd grade and up.

Confirmation: This two-year program is available for 7th & 8th graders.

Flowers for the Altar

Flowers for the altar may be ordered by adding your name to the flower chart, filling out the form and leaving it, along with a check for $20.00, in the box located outside the bookkeeper’s office. Orders should be submitted one week prior to the desired date.

Food for the Hungry

Food for the hungry is continuously collected in a basket in Jung Hall. It is brought to local agencies and distributed to those in need. This is an ongoing part of Grace’s ministry.

Storm Cancellations

On occasions when severe weather or similar events call for Grace to cancel worship services or events, this information is communicated to the public through local television stations: WFSB channel 3 (CBS) and WGGB channel 40 (ABC) cable channels 3 and 4 respectively. These occasions, though rare, are for public safety.